Every NFC team's biggest need heading into 2022 NFL Draft
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every NFC team ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, which will take place April 28-30.
AFC I NFCNFC EastDallas CowboysBiggest need: Offensive line
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyA solid offensive line became a standard in Dallas, but the unit enters the draft with question marks. Though we shouldn't rule out the Cowboys stealing the best player available like they did with CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons in recent years, the team should focus on replacing tackle La'el Collins and guard Connor Williams, who left this offseason. Left guard is the bigger concern, but right tackle also needs more competition.
Top early-round targets: Tyler Linderbaum, Zion Johnson, Kenyon Green
New York GiantsBiggest need: Offensive tackle
With two top-10 picks, the Giants are in a great spot to address their biggest needs - tackle and edge rusher. Finding a new right tackle became New York's top priority after the club didn't re-sign Nate Solder. Plus, it's about time the Giants gave Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, and Co. an above-average offensive line; the team ranked 30th and 21st in pass- and run-blocking last year, respectively, according to PFF.
Top early-round targets: Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Charles Cross
Philadelphia EaglesBiggest need: Wide receiver
The Eagles, owners of two top-20 selections, have holes on both sides of the ball. The biggest one is probably at wide receiver since Jalen Reagor has been a major bust. Philly's receiving corps features good depth with the likes of Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, and Greg Ward, but it's hard to envision it breaking out without a solid pass-catcher playing opposite DeVonta Smith. Don't be surprised if Philadelphia bolsters its defense early in the draft, too.
Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Jameson Williams
Washington CommandersBiggest need: Wide receiver
The real need in Washington is at quarterback. However, the Commanders acquired Carson Wentz this year and are expected to start him, avoiding a questionable draft class for QBs. Elsewhere on offense, they could definitely use a boost at wide receiver after Terry McLaurin finished last year as Washington's only player with 45-plus receptions.
Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Drake London
NFC NorthChicago BearsBiggest need: Wide receiver
Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / GettyChicago doesn't have a first-round pick after trading up in last year's draft to select Justin Fields, and now the team should set up the second-year quarterback for improvement. The wide receiver trio of Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Byron Pringle may give the Bears a lot of speed, but that doesn't seem like enough to help lift Fields' game to the next level.
Top early-round targets: George Pickens, Christian Watson, David Bell
Detroit LionsBiggest need: Edge rusher
The Lions have many glaring needs, but this seems like the perfect year for them to address their pass-rush issues. Detroit didn't add any high-profile edge rushers in free agency despite seeing only one of its players record double-digit sacks over the last four seasons. The 2022 draft is loaded with talented edge rushers, and all of them could be available for the Lions at No. 2.
Top early-round targets: Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon Walker
Green Bay PackersBiggest need: Wide receiver
There's no way Green Bay ends the first round without selecting a receiver, right? The team had depth issues at wideout last year and still traded Davante Adams this offseason, leaving Aaron Rodgers with one of the NFL's thinnest receiving groups. The Packers, who own two Round 1 picks this year, haven't drafted a wide receiver in the first round since 2002 (Javon Walker).
Top early-round targets: Drake London, Chris Olave, Treylon Burks
Minnesota VikingsBiggest need: Cornerback
Adding a new corner makes sense for Minnesota short and long term. If the season started today, the Vikings' main cornerbacks would be Patrick Peterson, who turns 32 in July, and Cameron Dantzler, an unproven third-year player. It's time for the Vikings to add a young talent to the mix, and at least one of the top cornerback prospects will likely be available at No. 12. This group not only wants more depth, but it also needs a star playmaker.
Top early-round targets: Ahmad Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., Trent McDuffie
NFC SouthAtlanta FalconsBiggest need: Wide receiver
Edward M. Pio Roda / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt'd be easier to list what the Falcons don't need. Atlanta began looking for a new franchise quarterback after trading Matt Ryan this offseason but ultimately signed Marcus Mariota, who can probably hold the fort for a year. Atlanta hasn't even found a similar stopgap solution at wide receiver, however. While the Falcons added depth in free agency, their current roster lacks star power and a No. 1 wideout.
Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris Olave
Carolina PanthersBiggest need: Quarterback
New offseason, same problem. A year ago the Panthers traded multiple picks for Sam Darnold and focused on other needs in the draft. It didn't work, and Carolina is still looking for a franchise signal-caller. This year's quarterback class may not be as impressive as the Panthers hoped, but Carolina knows it'll "have to take a shot."
Top early-round targets: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral
New Orleans SaintsBiggest need: Wide receiver
A franchise quarterback may be New Orleans' most glaring need, but the team seems to be set with Jameis Winston for 2022. That leaves a big question: Who's catching the ball? Michael Thomas, who's appeared in only seven games over the last two seasons, remains the No. 1 target. But he didn't play at all in 2021, and running back Alvin Kamara led the team with just 47 receptions.
Top early-round targets: Chris Olave, Drake London, Jameson Williams
Tampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest need: Defensive line
If Ndamukong Suh doesn't return to the team, the Bucs have a big hole to fill in their D-line. This year's draft class features plenty of defensive linemen who stand out against the run and can also wreak havoc from the inside, and adding a high-profile rookie next to Vita Vea would help keep Tampa Bay's line among the NFL's best. Also high on the Buccaneers' to-do list: drafting a replacement for retired guard Ali Marpet.
Top early-round targets: Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, Travis Jones
NFC WestArizona CardinalsBiggest need: Edge rusher
Kelsey Grant / Getty Images Sport / GettyArizona needs fresh blood in its pass rush. After losing Chandler Jones this offseason, Markus Golden and J.J. Watt are the Cardinals' main pass-rushers. Though Golden led the team with 11 sacks last year, he turned 31 in March. Meanwhile, Watt, who's played only two full seasons since 2016, was limited to seven games in 2021, his first campaign with the Cardinals.
Top early-round targets: Travon Walker, George Karlaftis, Jermaine Johnson II
Los Angeles RamsBiggest need: Offensive line
The reigning champs don't have a pick until the third round, so it won't be easy to replace a few key offseason losses. Still, the Rams need to add to their offensive line after tackle Andrew Whitworth retired and guard Austin Corbett left in free agency. A new pass-rusher and cornerback should also be high priorities.
Top early-round targets: Cole Strange, Ed Ingram, Dylan Parham
San Francisco 49ersBiggest need: Offensive line
San Francisco's O-line is far from complete. Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson left a big hole after departing in free agency, right tackle Mike McGlinchey is recovering from injury, and center Alex Mack is nearing the end of his career. The Niners don't have a first-round pick, so ideally they'll land a versatile lineman in Round 2 who gives them immediate competition at guard and could potentially play other positions.
Top early-round targets: Jamaree Salyer, Ed Ingram, Dylan Parham
Seattle SeahawksBiggest need: Quarterback
The Russell Wilson era in Seattle is over and Drew Lock is atop the team's quarterback depth chart. Though the Seahawks haven't ruled out going with Lock in 2022, the 2019 second-round pick hasn't done anything to prove he should be a starter in the NFL.
Top early-round targets: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral
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